Eight Ways to Decrease Dry Eyes in the Winter

​If you have dry eyes, you know how irritating it can be. While dry eyes don’t usually affect vision, it can be painful. In the most severe cases, dry eyes can interfere with quality of life and make you miserable.  

Although dry eyes can occur at any time of the year, the winter months are often worse. Fortunately, most people can improve their symptoms at home. 

Symptoms of dry eyes

The symptoms of dry eye syndrome can range from mild to severe. It can also start at any time in a person’s life. Anyone can develop dry eyes, but according to the Mayo Clinic, certain factors increase your risk, including the following:

• Hormonal changes: Certain changes in hormones may lead to a decrease in tear production.
• Advancing age: As people get older, their tear production may be inadequate to keep their eyes moist.
• Environmental conditions: Certain environmental conditions, such as dry or cold air, may make dry eyes worse. Environmental irritants, such as smoke, may also contribute to dry eyes.
• Medications: Some medications may cause dry eyes as a side effect. For example, cold medications may be a culprit.

Symptoms of dry eyes may include the following:

• Mucus discharge from the eyes that may become crusty
• Excessive tearing
• Irritated or painful eyes
• Red eyes
• Sensitivity to light 

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Combatting dry eyes

There are several ways to combat dry eyes to improve symptoms. Consider the suggestions below.

Use eye drops: Eye drops are often effective in improving the symptoms of dry eyes. Usually, you can apply eye drops four or five times a day, but before using, check to see if the drops contain preservatives, which might affect the frequency recommended.

Try an eye ointment: An eye ointment may also improve symptoms of dry eyes. Eye ointment is thicker than eye drops and is usually placed on the lower lash line. It can make your vision blurry for a few minutes because of the thickness, but consider applying it at night, right before bed.

Talk with your doctor about medications: Certain medications may interfere with normal tear production and make your eyes dry. If dry eyes are severe, talk with your doctor about the medications you are taking. There may be a different medication that you can take that does not affect tear production. Never stop taking your prescribed medications without talking to your doctor first. 

Don’t smoke: Smoking can irritate the eyes and may make dry eyes worse. Also, steer clear of secondhand smoke as much as possible. A study in the International Journal of Ophthalmology found that in the general population, the risk of dry eye syndrome increases among smokers.

Use a humidifier: Consider running a humidifier at night in your bedroom to add moisture to the air. It may especially be helpful during the winter months when the heat from your furnace may increase dryness in the air. When using a humidifier, empty the remaining water each day, clean it, and add fresh water each night. Avoid increasing the humidity level too much, which can lead to mold growth.

Keep the thermostat low: When the weather is cold outside, we often crank up the thermostat. The added warmth may make the air too dry and make symptoms of dry eye worse. Keep your thermostat at a comfortable temperature without it being overly warm. 

Wear sunglasses outside: The sun and wind can contribute to dry eyes any time of the year, including in the winter. Ultraviolet rays from the sun also can damage your eyes even on overcast winter days. That’s why it is important to wear sunglasses outside all year along. Consider a wraparound style, which provides additional protection.

See your eye doctor: If dry eye syndrome is not reduced by using the suggestions above, see an eye doctor. An eye doctor may prescribe additional treatments and medication to help decrease symptoms.

If you have questions about dry eyes or would like to talk about whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.